Usk Tunnel and Station Search
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- Опубликовано: 4 окт 2023
- Good and bad. Some remains still there including an engine/goods shed, but no access to the tunnel
Home to the adventurous subscriber. As well as films we have a bi-weekly Vlog to keep up to date on the previous and next week’s videos, and a chance for all to air their views on a variety of subjects, why not join in.
My passion has been walking, a while ago I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and walking does not come naturally any more, however the more I walk the easier it gets, for now anyway. I hope these videos will inspire others to keep going and hanging on in there. I try to cover variety of subjects, such as old abandoned railways, and canals. I love the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, with its rich history and I usually take my camera whenever we holiday in the southwest and Cornwall. The rugged coastal paths are a magnet for anyone who loves dramatic scenery. I live close to the Cotswolds Hills and have done quite a lot of walking around there, recently, following some of the lovely rivers. Hill walking on the Malvern’s is a challenge but worth the effort. I try not to let Parkinson’s get me down and take every opportunity to get out with my camera and film, I hope you enjoy watching. P.W. 
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Truly remarkable finds in that area Ron. The bridge over the river. The station remains, but the highlight for me was that old goods/engine shed. So much of interest in there. I could almost picture a locomotive stood over that service pit. Lovely piece of nostalgia all around and a great piece of film. Thank you.
If you wonder why I haven't been very active recently, it's because Mary spent most of last week in Salisbury hospital, with me travelling back and forth by bus every day. I'm pleased to report that she returned home last Sunday and has steadily improved every day since.
Hi Lionel, Poor Mary, please tell her we are thinking of her and hope she continues to get better. I can't imagine the bus journey was much fun. Thinking of you. Ron
That was a goods shed Ron for loading and unloading wagons under cover. The cut out in the floor was likely a weighing device. You backed your lorry up under the canopy and loaded or unloaded as appropriate. You should see my smile for finding that. As to getting to the office there must have been some wooden steps somewhere and obviously now gone.
Thanks Simon, would they have used the pit in the rail section for local maintenance and maybe they would keep the engine in overnight? Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks It's an odd goods shed as it's obviously 2 roads. The make up is pure goods shed from the loading bay, the platform, what I think is a weigh scale but you're right it could be a crane. I'm going to say I don't know. You've got the big goods depot at the end of the video. I wonder if it's a private shed for a company to load up it's own wagons. We forget that companies had their own sidings to their business. I'm going to have to watch it again and see if there were any clues.
Mornin’ Ron, Superb explore and really well narrated.
You might have smoked yourself out though ….. I mean complaining about the wrong type of leaves …. You must have been a BR station announcer!!
All those rivets on the bridge, some must have been done on site as you say but I think the pitting is more likely to be corrosion. Amazing that you can still see some of the original bitumen.
The tunnel portal shots were excellent with the vines hanging down in front, some great bits of masonry there (and on the bridge pier too). What struck me about the tunnel was how clean the lining on roof arch was, it must have been cleaned, perhaps that is why it is closed now due to risk of falling bricks, it does seem a shame that it isn’t open. Well done for bringing a torch.
The goods shed / engine shed was a great find, lovely chimney and what a delight that you could still go in and that it hasn’t been vandalised or painted with graffiti. The side door does seem narrow for despatching goods, I can only think that it was built for offloaded n gauge panels for Simon’s railway. My guess is that the end building was some kind of store with the storeman using the window to provided tools and equipment, someone on here will know.
I had a look on Railmaps online and the first site seems to be more like the goods yard than the other siding, some lovely buildings there too.
We have been cordoned in (or out), yesterday was a European Summit here in the city, 47 European leaders including Zelenski and Rishi Sunak, today is a slightly smaller one for the EU. As you can imagine police everywhere, roads closed, airport too for general use. You may have seen the team picture on the news yesterday, apparently Rishi went home early and missed the banquet … If I was him I would have come late and just gone for the banquet!!
Have a great weekend.
Hi David, the tunnel had been open until quite recently, bad timing on my part, but at least the entrance was assessable.
The goods shed was a superb find, I don't think I have ever seen one in such mint condition, I enjoyed exploring that,
Don't worry about Rishi. I expect he had a 'Doggy bag'.
Have fun, stay well. Ron
Hi Ron. The only disappointment in that wonderful walk was expecting "Usk" to have some weird and wonderful pronunciation, then finding it to be pronounced simply "Usk". That engine shed is deserving of some kind of restoration, beautiful architecture. It's Thanksgiving weekend here and I'm alternately filling up un turkey, and napping while still making time for OVM, who doesn't seem to have the same tryptophanic reaction to eating turkey as I do. Somebody turned off the heat here...the temperature has fallen suddenly and the leaves are now changing colour. Have a good week Ron, and thank you. James
Hi James, rather than restore it, they are letting it fall down. Scandalous. Sumac will soon run the weight gain off you, don't worry. Are you sure you haven't left the aircon on by mistake, no wait a minute the 'I have been on more than 2 minutes' warning isn't sounding. Take care James. Ron
Good morning Ron. Your word ‘junglefied’ was so apt it should be added to the Oxford Dictionary. Thanks for your educational video. The iron bridge was so fascinating I was in danger of launching a rivet count.
Be careful Rodney, once you start counting rivets there is no telling where it will end. Keep smiling Ron
As I don't cover Wales (nothing against the country, but I have enough ground to cover already!) this was very interesting and informative. I was not even aware of this line! Yes, it did look like it is double track across the river on that lovely bridge.
What a really interesting and fascinating explore Ron!
They certainly built those bridges to last.
Shame about tunnel access - in my latest canal video I had a similar issue with a canal tunnel, but unlike mine, you got to see it properly.
I enjoyed that!
Stay safe and happy exploring Ron.
Take care,
Paul
Hi Paul, we don't usually find so much in such a small area, suited me down to the ground. Have fun. Ron
Great piece of exploration, revealing some superb railway infrastructure. Like the bridge, the goods yard looks in very good nick, the engine shed/storage facility less so, though regrettably the station has gone. What a pity it was not preserved, with the tunnel in the background, as an attractive community centre/playground, or suchlike. This brought back memories of one or two visits to this delightful town, which I made in the '80's, when the remains of the station were a bit more visible. I don't think the bridge was accessible, but the tunnel certainly was, though I don't recall venturing inside. Thank you for reviving pleasant memories! Incidentally, the bus ride from Newport was a delight.
Hi Malcolm, It would have been great to film it back in those days, but if they wouldn't let you in ... I'm glad it stirred up some memories for you. Take care. Ron
Good morning Ron and thank you for today’s excellent film. Once again you are in my area! I think you are doing a flanking manoeuvre on me from all sides. Out to the west of me this time with Usk and it’s beautiful river about 20 minutes’ drive away. The railway here with it’s bridges, old station site, goods area and tunnel is a great explore - as you found out! I was confused at the start when you said that the way to Coleford was blocked and that you were heading in the Pontypool direction. This should have been reversed of course as the route that you followed was towards Coleford and it is the route to Pontypool that is fairly inaccessible.
The origin of the line through Usk was at Monmouth Troy station which was the meeting point of the Ross & Monmouth Railway and the Wye Valley branch. Shortly before it crossed the river Wye to the east of Monmouth Troy, the Wye Valley line was joined by the Coleford branch. On leaving Monmouth Troy towards Usk the line became the Coleford, Monmouth Usk & Pontypool Railway, but known colloquially as the Monmouth to Pontypool line. After passing through the stations at Dingestow, Elms Bridge Halt, Raglan, Raglan Road Crossing Halt (previously known as raglan Road until 1st July 1876), Llandenny, Cefn Tilla Halt, Usk and Glascoed Halt, the line joined the Newport, Abergavenny & Hereford Railway at Little Mill Junction. This line is still in use today as the main line from Newport via Abergavenny, Hereford etc through to Shrewsbury and beyond. Following grouping, all the above mentioned lines came under the ownership of the GWR.
The Coleford, Monmouth, Usk & Pontypool Railway was single track throughout, but with an unusual feature regarding the tunnel at Usk. As the line approached the station from the west it forked at the demolished road bridge to become double track. This continued over the river bridge (hence it’s width) and into the station to provide a passing loop. This loop carried on through the tunnel, hence the width of the tunnel being able to accommodate double track as you surmised, and went back to single track again just prior to exiting the eastern portal. Whilst this feature is unusual it is by no means unique; another example can be found at Haverthwaite on the Lakeside branch of the Furness Railway. The total length of the passing loop was 16 chains with the tunnel being 256 yards long. A private siding, known as Davies’ Siding, was sited about 10 chains to the east of the tunnel on the up side of the running line. The siding was entered by a connection facing in the direction of up trains, though in earlier years the layout had been arranged as a loop with connections at each end. The east end connection was taken out in January 1928. The siding, which was closed on 28th July 1937, served a saw mill. Coming back to the station layout, just after crossing the river bridge from the west, another track split off to the right and then forked, to provide two dead end sidings behind the down platform. This was used for horse boxes and similar forms of traffic, and included a cattle pen on the road side of the bay. This bay had been the site of the old engine shed mentioned below. The bay was never used for passenger traffic, being divided from the down platform by a fence. The main station building was situated on the down platform and there was an additional waiting room on the opposite platform. Both of these structures were of typical GWR design constructed in brick with hipped roofs. The signal box was also of standard GWR design with typical 1890’s style gable roof cabins and small paned window frames; it was situated to the west of the platforms on the up side. The signal boxes at Dingestow and Llandenny were of similar design, but smaller. A GWR style water crane and associated metal tank was available to the west of the platforms on the down side. This station layout dated from major reconstruction work by the GWR, which was authorised in 1893 and completed by January 1897. Prior to this remodelling, the station boasted an engine shed and turntable, but these were dispensed with at the reconstruction. Another feature added at the reconstruction was a footbridge, again of classic GWR design. Apart from Monmouth Troy, this was the only station between Ross-on-Wye and Pontypool Road to sport such a feature. However, the footbridge was removed at an early date and public access between the up and down platforms was effected by means of a barrow crossing at the Pontypool Road end of the platforms. The goods yard was on the down side of the line, and was entered by a long headshunt that extended westwards from the Pontypool Road end of the crossing loop. The yard contained coal wharves, loading docks, cattle pens and a 5 ton yard crane. As you found Ron, it was situated below the level of the running line and was, therefore, sometimes known as the “Lower yard”. There were three dead end sidings, one of which served the goods shed that you explored.
Well, I’ll stop droning on for this week, but finish with just a couple of other points. Firstly you recall that the river bridge had a distance marker of 25/1 miles, i.e. 25 miles 20 chains This is the distance from Ross-on Wye at it’s junction with the long abandoned Hereford, Ross & Gloucester Railway. Usk station was 25 miles 14 chains from Ross, therefore (and here comes the nerdy trivia), Usk station was 6 chains from the end of the bridge. Yes, I know I’m sad but I’m quite harmless lol. And FINALLY! Usk tunnel runs under Usk Castle which its well worth a visit. Last time I went it was a Thursday which I think is the only day it is open to the public as it is privately owned and is part of the owner’s grounds. It was only £4 to go in and is a very interesting site with some incredible views to the south round to the west. I must say that I have no connection to the castle and other castles are available LOL. Right, that really is it this time. Have a good week Ron and best wishes to you and Pauline. Regards Trev
Hi Trev, yes we are moving in on you! It was a very rewarding visit with plenty to see. You have done your usual comprehensive research and provided loads of info that I can use to look for new locations to film. The history is interesting and has me recalling the area in my mind’s eye, brilliant. Usk Castle sound worth a visit. Noted. You often get a mention between Pauline and I, whenever we hear a plane droning over head, -- There’s that Trevor again’. Keep smiling. Ron & Pauline
Good morning Ron. You didn’t give me time to get the Side by Side map going but I did catch up. Straight in with that magnificent bridge. The river Usk hasn’t managed to see that one off yet. What a lovely rail trip that would have been along that line. The tunnel was massive compared to some built in the FOD. Was it GWR? I guess so. Wonderful condition too. What a pity you could only go so far. And then the goods yard. That was quite extensive for a small town according to the 6” map and had three rails going into it off the main line. That wonderful goods shed. Never mind barn conversions, what about a lovely goods shed conversion like the one down south at Bere Ferrers. It would make a magnificent home. Thank you for another lovely film. Kind regards.
Hi Marilyn, there was certainly a lot to see there, and you are right it would have been a wonderful ride on that line. I don't know who built it but GWR would no doubt have owned it in the end. They did everything else down here. I love your idea for a home conversion. Take care. Ron
Hello Ron - greetings from Poland.
Fabulous! What a brilliant video. So much to see. The river crossing is massive. What a structure with a magnificent pier in the middle of the river.
The remnants of station linked with the photograph of days gone by certainly do build a superb picture.
The tunnel was incredible. How things were built to last.
The goods shed you entered is a puzzle. I would love to know it's purpose.
Brilliant video. Superb commentary. Great camera work.
Thanks for taking me along.
Hi Michael, it was a good day out with as you said lots to see and in quite a small area. I deal for my low mileage these days. Take care. Ron
Another brilliant bit of railway archaeology Ron, thank you! Fascinating to see two platforms surviving in such a way - and then the engine shed! Amazing.
Hi Duncan, it was a very rewarding day out. Ron
Stunning part of the UK. Fab disused railway walk. Lots of interesting railway artifacts, bridges & platforms to explore. Thank you. 😊
Glad you enjoyed it Carol. Ron
A wonderful explore, Ron. You found some absolute gems on this adventure. Not sure why they felt it necessary to barricade the tunnel, but what a glorious structure. The goods shed took us right back in time, to the days of steam, and some bonus bridges, as well. A very enjoyable day out. Take care. Ron.
Hi Ron, I did like the engine shed/goods shed, you don't find many in that condition. As you say a good day out. Have fun. Ron
Some Excellent finds here Ron!
Great video as always
Tom
Thanks Tom, I don't cover the mileage that you do these days, getting old. Ron
Indeed a fun walk complete with unexpected buildings. Thanks for letting us tag along. J
Pleasure to have you and Emily along Jim. Ron
Thanks for this, it brought back childhood memories, when the goods yard was still in use.There used to be a bridge over the road and the goods yard was accessed by an incline from the line that continued to Little Mill via the ordnance factory at Glascoed.
Thanks for filling in that detail Stuart, glad the film stirred some nice memories. Ron
Thanks for that explore, Ron. It was great you finding the goods buildings and the tunnel. Reminds me of when I was a school kid on our cross country "run" taking a diversion through Crescent Wood tunnel on the old Crystal Palace high level branch at Upper Sydenham!
Sounds like a page out of 'The Railway Children' was it based on your adventures? Ron
Morning Ron. Wow what a great walk. A superb tunnel and that goods shed ! Such a shame to see it getting damaged. A couple of slates put back when they came loose would have saved that end of the building. Just out to walk Syd on Ivinghoe Beacon. He's getting really big now and turning out to be a fine little chap Stay safe Pete
Hi Pete, you are so right about the maintenance issue. It wouldn't have taken much. Syd will soon be dragging you along. Keep smiling. Ron
I always enjoyed the infrastructure built in support of the railroad. So the question is: if the Building Ron explored was an engine or wagon service building what purpose did the derrick crane (based on the size of the foundation block and anchor bolts) serve. I can't imagine they would have done any major tear down and rebuilding that required a centrally locate hoist. You would want a mobile crane for that. It wouldn't be the type of crane I would have used if you are pulling wheels or tires. And the building is too small if you are going to pull a boiler for rebuild.
The hoist looks like it could lift something off of a wagon and swing it around and put it into the back of a truck or horse & wagon. But then you wouldn't need an inspection pit if that was a special shed for unloading freight. Very curious.
Hi Charles, my take on that is that it was a goods shed first, but able to do minor daily maintenance such as raking out the fire box, hence the pit. Best I can do. Ron
Late on parade Ron but I am on holiday . Those victorians certainly built things to last d I almost expected for you to come across some long forgotten Dickensian character deep inside that building. Thanks for the walk
Hi Peter, hope you are enjoying your holiday. Yes there was a lot to see on that adventure. Keep building those sand castles. Ron
So glad you got here, thanks for accepting my recommendation, i knew youd really enjoy the bridge the tunnel goods yard and old buildings, its rare to find these places virtually untouched these days as most have been demolished or repurposed
Also.there's a few more albeit smaller structures towards Pontypool, bridges over streams etc.
I'll also recommend the eastern valleys lines lower and upper and finally Talybont on Usk too.
That was a brilliant recommendation, thank you. It took me a while to get there but it was worth it. I'll get the maps out and check out the other you have suggested. Thanks for your help. Ron
Another Gem thanks Ron
You are most welcome sir. Ron
Some interesting items there, Ron, but unfortunate that you couldn't continue through the tunnel. It always amazes me how much infrastructure is getting covered over by vegetation and disappearing from view. I would have expected that either it would have all been removed or someone would take the trouble to maintain it in a more accessible state as part of the industrial history of the area.
You are right Jim, leave it to mother nature and she will take it back. Keep flying. Ron
Nice finds Ron 👍👍👍
Thanks Lee, it was a good day out. Ron
Wonderful sharing here well done
Great channel see you soon be safe 👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks for that, I'll do my best. Ron
Indiana Ron and the Tunnel of Doom! When I used to go out walking I used to pack secatuers, perfect for those brambles crossing the path. I could hear running water in that tunnel, could you switch the camera off when you have a tinkle, thanks. I can't believe how much you found on this trip, it's an absolute classic of a Parkies Walks.
p.s. I've got my flexi retirement and I start on a 4 day week from April and a 3 day week the following April and I will be gone just short of 44 years service. Suzanne is starting to write her list of jobs for me already......
You have to give that girl top marks for forward planning! Made Pauline and I laugh. Great that you have organised your retirement, I wonder if the time will drag now. Hope not. Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks I thought dropping down to a 4 day week would give me a day off. Apparently not!
@@ngaugeonashelf4417 What a whole day! That was a bit optimistic Simon, you will be wanting a tea break next. Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks And a snooze in the chair.